An Arsenal icon asserts that Declan Rice appears to be well acquainted with the Gunners following his £105 million signing.

Gilberto Silva, a renowned figure in Arsenal’s history, has expressed admiration for Declan Rice, acknowledging the immediate influence the midfielder has had in his debut season with the Gunners.

Last summer, the English football player transferred from West Ham to Arsenal in a stunning £105 million deal. Since then, he has consistently displayed exceptional performance in Mikel Arteta’s midfield position. From the very beginning, Rice appeared to be completely comfortable and integrated within the core of Arsenal’s team. His creativity has increased during the season, establishing him as an exceptional acquisition.

In a conversation with The Athletic, Silva asserted that securing Rice’s involvement was crucial for the team’s stability. The ex-Arsenal fan favorite stated: “His presence was of utmost significance for the team’s stability. He possesses exceptional strength to maintain his position in front of the defense and provide support to the forwards. Additionally, he has successfully adjusted to his role. Prior to his arrival, it appeared that he was acquainted with everyone. Occasionally, when a high-value player is acquired, they may have apprehension. However, in this case, he appears to be familiar with Arsenal.

Although the transfer from the Hammers came with a high cost, the 25-year-old has not allowed it to impact his performance on the field. His previous experience in the Premier League has shown to be advantageous for him. Rice now boasts a passing accuracy rate of 91 percent this season. His average performance in a league match includes making two tackles and recovering the ball 4.8 times. In addition, he has successfully won 51 percent of his duels and has received only three bookings.

He has been a popular player among supporters at the Emirates Stadium. Lately, he has been playing in a more forward position, while Jorginho has taken over the number six position for the Gunners. Rice is currently experiencing his most successful season in terms of both scoring and assisting. He has scored five goals and provided seven assists up to this point. Enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his further contributions before the conclusion of the season, and potentially securing a championship in the league.

Currently, Arsenal is considered the underdog in the Premier League title battle compared to Liverpool and Manchester City. However, they are demonstrating their ability to match the performance of the top two teams. Arteta’s team has achieved a winning streak of seven matches in the league, with an impressive total of 31 goals scored. The team will be anticipating another victory when Brentford visits the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.